How Do You Steam Veggies?

I get those steaming bags by Ziplock. It is so easy! I just throw the fresh veggies in the steaming bag, which has all the vegis listed with steaming times, and throw them into the microwave. I love these bags!!

We use an insert steamer that I can just pile in whatever veggies I want. It doesn't matter if they overlap or stack on top of each other. The steam still cooks them. I use just enough water in the pot an inch or so to steam. How long depends on the veg. 12 min for carrots. 7 for brocoli, 3 minutes for asparagus and zuchinni, etc...

I just use a vegetable steamer - $15 Wallmart. Or get those steam in the bag veggies at Target.

Here, I took this snippet from http://mideastfood.about.com/od/tipsandtechniques/a/steam...

How to Steam Vegetables in the Microwave

TIP: TO KEEP VEGETABLES CRISP AND FRESH LOOKING AFTER IT IS COOKED ADD A TSP OF BAKING SODA TO WATER.

When steaming in the microwave, the method is generally the same. Place vegetables in a microwave-safe bowl, add no more water than what it takes to rinse your vegetables before washing. No additional water is needed! Cover the bowl with microwave safe plastic wrap, leaving one corner open to vent.

How Long to Steam Vegetables

All vegetables will have different cooking times depending on their size and thickness. Below you will find some of the more commonly steamed vegetables and their cooking times for both stovetop and microwave steaming.
Asparagus: On the stovetop, asparagus are steamed approximately four minutes for thin spears. Add an extra minute or two for thicker spears. For asparagus, time steaming in the microwave is relatively the same: four to six minutes.

]Broccoli: Broccoli florets are steamed on the stovetop about five minutes. Look for a dark color change and you will know when the broccoli is done. In the microwave, allow broccoli florets to steam three to five minutes.

Brussels Sprouts: On the stovetop, Brussels spouts are steamed approximately ten minutes. In the microwave, Brussels sprouts cook more quickly, in about seven minutes.

Carrots: Carrots that are sliced about ¼” thick are steamed on the stovetop about six to eight minutes. In the microwave, steam for about five minutes.

Cauliflower: Cauliflower florets will steam on the stovetop in about six minutes. For microwave steaming, cook cauliflower for three to four minutes.

Green Beans: Steam green beans on the stovetop for about five minutes. In the microwave, steam green beans for three to four minutes.

Peas: Peas steamed on the stovetop take about three minutes. In the microwave, steam peas for one to two minutes.

Zucchini: On the stovetop, steam zucchini for six to seven minutes. In the microwave, steam for six to eight minutes.

If you put fresh veggies in a bowl add about a tablespoon of water and cover with plastic wrap and cook on high for about 5 minutes or so. You'll see the plastic start to cave in to the bowl when the veggies have gotten hot enough to consider steamed. Other than that you should get yourself a steamer basket and do it the real way.

i usually just place my metal colander on top of a big pot of boiling water and nibble to test.

Are they fresh or frozen? If frozen, I just put them in a microwave bowl with enough water to cover and cook until hot without a lid. If fresh, I have one of those metal steamer baskets that goes in a pot, I add water to cover the bottom, put in veggies and put on lid. Ideally for fresh veggies I use my veggie steamer. Its super easy and I usually use it when we have a big dinner party. Good luck!

I do the pot and boiling water. I just throw about 3 cups of water in my largest pot and put one of those silicone steamers in then my veggies.

silicone steamer link so you know what I am talking about:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B002842W0M/ref=as_li_ss_til?tag=...

I have a stainless strainer that I put the veggies in & put them in a pot with water that comes to the bottom of the strainer. I cover with the lid for another pot so that it covers the veggies, but can still let out steam. Just something we have around the house so that I did not have to invest in something.

I second the ziplock steam bags.They sell them at Jewel or most major grocers in the sandwich bag/foil aisle.The veggies come out great in them.My kids love broccoli and it it only takes about 3 minutes to cook it.

I try to use the microwave when my husband isn't around. I guess he thinks it's cheating or something. I put for example, cauliflower cut up, or broccoli, whatever the vegetable in a container that will hold them and enough water to slightly cover it. Then I put wax paper over the type and turn it on high for about three minutes, stir/turn it around and depending on how soft you want it do it for two more minutes, check again. Be brave and just let it go the whole five minutes if you want (I'm not that brave). Then pull it out. Voila. Delicious.
Careful, it's hot!
By the way, both are perfectly acceptable. It's how you season things that can make a difference.

I have a stainless steel steamer ( the kind that opens like a flower) I use and then I have a Tupperware steamer ( oval, beige from the Thriftstore) I use a lot. In that one I use a quarter cup of water and start on high for 5 min and then check. I also have a the bigger version and that one is just great for potatoes or beets. Takes about 20 on high with 1/2 cup of water.

I use a microwave pot sold by Pampered Chef - the lid has vent holes - I put in the frozen veggies and about 2-3 Tbsp. of water - steam for 2.5 to 3 minutes. Love it! I have also done fresh broccoli too. The pot comes in 2 sizes - I use the 1 qt. pot more often - it is only around $8! Oh, and yes, I am a Pampered Chef consultant. Lots of college kids use this pot in their microwave ovens in their dorm rooms.

Depends on how much I am cooking, I like to have them a bit crunchy still I like to rinse them off in a collandar then place them in a microwave safe bowl with the water that is still on them from rinsing ... wet a paper towel(s) big enough to cover the bowl and place in the microwave how long depends on how much I start with 2-5 min for a single/double serving and go up from there. I do it kinda like melting chocolate in the microwave get it started then check in frequently with small intervals.

It's so much easier, I think, to just throw them in the vegetable steamer. On the back it has a list of veggies and what level of water and how many minutes to set its timer. Just pour the water to low level for most of what I cook, put the lid on, and put the timer on for 14-16 minutes usually, and there you go. Just take the lid off when it dings so it doesn't get them too limp (I don't like limp veggies, lol).

My Princess House glass and ceramic steamer dish. It cost too much but I actually use it all the time. I use it in both microwave and the stovetop. It depends on how long I have and what veggie it is. Firmer veggies do better in the microwave than "softer" ones like cabbage and sprouts. I also sprinkle on some McCormick Vegetable seasoning (butter flavored) and they are delicious and doesn't add many (if any) calories.

I have a steamer basket. Depending on the type and amount of veggies I'm cooking, I usually just fill the pot enough so the water level is below the basket and cook on the stove top.

You can also use the microwave, by placing about 2 tablespoons of water into the microwave safe dish and covering (my glass corningware works well). Usually about 4 minutes.

My mother cooks everything in the microwave. Last year, she was at my house and I served some steamed broccoli. She could not figure out why it tasted so awesome.....its because I use the steam basket/pot with water. I think it tastes so much better that way and ends up taking maybe one or two min more than the microwave. Mom tells me she still uses the microwave and I asked why since she raved over mine....she said its still an extra pot to wash lol.

I have a friend who is a doctor of Holistic Medicine and she says to never cook in the microwave. The microwave kills all the vitimins in your food.

I found a stainless steel colander at Family Dollar and I use that on top of a 2 quart saucepan with a couple of inches of water, then cover with the top for the pan. Let the water simmer on medium to medium-low about 10 minutes.